Electronic television program guide schedule system and method

ABSTRACT

An electronic program schedule system which includes a receiver for receiving broadcast, satellite or cablecast television programs for a plurality of television channels and a tuner for tuning a television receiver to a selected one of the plurality of channels. A data processor receives and stores in a memory television program schedule information for a plurality of television programs to appear on the plurality of television channels. A user control apparatus, such as a remote controller, is utilized by a viewer to choose user control commands and transmit signals in response to the data processor which receives the signals in response to user control commands. A television receiver is used to display the television programs and television program schedule information. A video display generator receives video control commands from the data processor and program schedule information from the memory and displays a portion of the program schedule information in overlaying relationship with a television program appearing on a television channel in at least one mode of operation of the television programming guide. The data processor controls the video display generator with video control commands, issued in response to the user control commands, to display program schedule information for any chosen one of the plurality of television programs in overlaying relationship with at least one television program then appearing on any chosen one of the plurality of channels on the television receiver.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to an electronic program schedule system,which provides a user with schedule information for broadcast orcablecast programs viewed by the user on a television receiver. Moreparticularly, it relates to an improved electronic program guide thatprovides the user with a more powerful and convenient operatingenvironment, while, at the same time, increasing the efficiency ofnavigation by the user through the guide.

[0002] Electronic program guides for television systems are known in theart. For example, one prior system used an electronic charactergenerator to display textual schedule information on the full screen ofa television receiver. Other prior systems presented electronicallystored program schedule information to a user for viewing while allowingthe user to select display formats. Still other systems employed a dataprocessor to input user-selection criteria, then stored only the programschedule information meeting these criteria, and subsequently used thestored information to automatically tune a programmable tuner oractivate a recording device at the time of broadcast of the selectedtelevision programs. Such prior systems are generally discussed in “StayTuned for Smart TV,” published in the November 1990 issue of PopularScience.

[0003] Collectively, the prior electronic program systems may bedifficult to implement and cumbersome to use. They also fail to provideviewing capabilities that address in a more realistic manner the viewinghabits of the users of these electronic program systems. Moreover, manyof these systems are complex in their design and are expensive toimplement. Ease of use and economy are primary concerns of televisionprogram distributors and viewers as they contemplate dramatic increasesin the number and nature of program networks and other television-basedservices. And, as the number of television channels available to a userincreases dramatically with the advent of new satellite and cable-basedtechnologies, the utility of these prior systems substantiallydiminishes.

[0004] These prior-art systems also fail to provide the user withsufficient information, for example pricing and the like, aboutpay-per-view events, premium services or other packaged programming towhich the user does not subscribe, nor do they provide the user with thecapability to automatically purchase such programming on demand orimpulse. Moreover, these prior-art systems are deficient in that theyfail to provide an efficient and automatic method of updating orreplacing the application software programs that implement theelectronic guide at the user sites, relying instead on manual or othercumbersome forms of revision or replacement or hardware-based systemsthat can not be updated without physical replacement of integratedcircuits and/or other parts.

[0005] Nor do these prior electronic guide systems have the capabilityof linking the user to other applications or information systems whichare not part of the electronic program guide application or data.

[0006] Nor do these prior electronic guide systems provide videopromotion of television programs and services that are functionallylinked and visually displayed in an integrated fashion. Programpromotion is an important element of the effective marketing oftelevision programming. The promotion of pay-per-view pay (i.e., “a lacarte”) programs and other unregulated program services is particularlyimportant to cable television operators in the wake of re-regulation bythe federal government. The current method of promoting such programmingusing video is through dedicated “barker” channels that use full screencontinuous trailers (i.e., previews) which may or may not be accompaniedby prices and ordering information. Recently, such promotional videoshave been shown in split screens where part of the screen shows generalschedule information for a time period roughly corresponding to the timeperiod during which the general program being promoted is shown.Accordingly, there exists a need for an electronic program guide whichcan provide improved display and linking of video promotions withprogram schedule information and order processing functions.

[0007] The prior electronic program guides also fail to provide the userwith a simple and efficient method of controlling access to individualchannels and individual programs. The amount of adult situationsinvolving sex and violence has steadily increased during the last 40years. The issue of how this affects children or other viewers hasgained national attention. Providing a parent with the ability tolock-out a channel is a well known and widespread feature of certaintelevision receivers and cable converter boxes. Despite thisavailability, the feature is seldom used by parents. The mainimpediments to its effective use are the cumbersome ways in which it isgenerally implemented, as well as the requirement that entire channelsbe blocked in order to block access to any objectional programming. Achannel-oriented parental lock is unfair to other programmers on theblocked channel—who, for example, offer adult-oriented programming inthe evening and youth-oriented programming the following morning—andinconvenient for viewers who want access to such programs. Thus, thereis a particular need for a system which provides password control toindividual programs and channels using a flexible and uncomplicatedon-screen user interface.

[0008] The prior electronic program guides are also deficient in thatthey do not provide the user with the ability to view on demand currentbilling status and, thus, a need exists for a system which can providethe user with current billing information on the user's demand.

[0009] The prior electronic program guides also lack a method forcreating a viewing itinerary electronically while still viewing aprogram currently appearing on the television receiver. Moreover, theseprior program guides leave much guess work for the user as he navigatesthrough a sequence of channels. When skimming through channels toascertain the program then being displayed on any channel, commonlyknown as “channel surfing,” the user needs to guess which program iscurrently being aired from the video encountered as the user surfsthrough the channels. Since much—in some cases, up to 30%—of theprogramming appearing on any given channel at any given time isadvertising or other commercial programming, the user is not providedwith any clues as to what program is appearing on a selected channel ata given time and must therefore wait until the advertisement orcommercial is over before ascertaining the program then appearing on theselected channel. Thus a need exists for a program guide which displayscurrent program schedule information for each channel as the user surfsthrough the available channels.

[0010] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a simplifiedelectronic program schedule system that may be more easily implemented,and which is appealing and efficient in operation. There is also a needto provide the user with an electronic program schedule system thatdisplays both broadcast programs and electronic schedule information ina manner not previously available with other electronic program schedulesystems, particularly those using a remote controller.

[0011] For example, there is a particular need for a flexible programschedule system that allows a user to view selected broadcast programson a portion of the screen of the television receiver whilesimultaneously viewing program schedule information for other channelsand/or services on another portion of the screen. There is also a needfor such a program schedule system that permits the user to select froma plurality of selectable display formats for viewing the programschedule information. It is also preferred to have a system thatindicates to the user those keys on the remote controller that areactive in any particular mode of operation. There also exists a need forsuch a system that will give a user the capability to set a programmablereminder for viewing a program scheduled to air at a future time.

[0012] There is also a need for an electronic guide system providing theuser with comprehensive information about pay-per-view events, premiumservices or other packaged programming to which the user does notordinarily subscribe, and which provides the user with the capability toautomatically purchase such programming on demand or impulse. There isalso a need for an electronic guide system providing a reliable andefficient method of updating or replacing the application software thatimplements the electronic guide at the user sites.

[0013] There also exists a need for an electronic program guide thatoperates as a shell or window to provide the user with the capability toaccess other applications or information systems that are not part ofthe electronic program guide application or data.

[0014] It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide asystem that will allow the user to view a broadcast program while, atthe same time, interactively viewing program schedule information forother programs.

[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide the userwith the ability to select from among a plurality of display formats forthe program schedule information.

[0016] It is yet another object of the present invention to indicate tothe user of the program schedule system those keys on the remotecontroller active in the particular mode of operation of the system atthe time of use.

[0017] It is a still further object of the present invention to providethe user of the electronic program schedule system with the capabilityof setting programmable reminder messages for any future program.

[0018] It is yet a further object of this invention to provide thesystem user with comprehensive information about pay-per-view events,premium services or other packaged programming to which the user doesnot subscribe and the capability to automatically purchase suchprogramming on demand or impulse.

[0019] It is another object of the present invention to provide anelectronic guide system that provides a reliable and efficient method ofupdating or replacing the application software programs that implementthe electronic guide at the user sites.

[0020] It is still another object of the electronic program guide tooperate as a shell or window to provide the user with the capability toaccess other applications or information systems which are not part ofthe electronic program guide application or data.

[0021] It is yet another object of the electronic program guide toprovide a system whereby video promotion of television programs andservices are functionally linked and visually displayed in an integratedfashion to facilitate the marketing and sale of such programs andservices.

[0022] It is still a further object of the present invention to providepassword control for access to individual programs, as well as channels,using a protected interactive flexible and uncomplicated on-screeninterface.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide the userwith current programming information for all programs as the user surfsthrough the available channels.

[0024] It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide asystem in which the user can access his current billing information ondemand.

[0025] These and other objects of the invention are achieved by anelectronic program schedule system which includes a receiver forreceiving broadcast, satellite or cablecast television programs for aplurality of television channels and a tuner for tuning a televisionreceiver to a selected one of the plurality of channels. A dataprocessor receives and stores in a memory television program scheduleinformation for a plurality of television programs to appear on theplurality of television channels. A user control apparatus, such as aremote controller, is utilized by a viewer to choose user controlcommands and transmit signals in response to the data processor whichreceives the signals in response to user control commands. A televisionreceiver is used to display the television programs and televisionprogram schedule information. A video display generator receives videocontrol commands from the data processor and program scheduleinformation from the memory and displays a portion of the programschedule information in overlaying relationship with a televisionprogram appearing on a television channel in at least one mode ofoperation of the television programming guide. The data processorcontrols the video display generator with video control commands, issuedin response to the user control commands, to display program scheduleinformation for any chosen one of the plurality of television programsin overlaying relationship with at least one television program thenappearing on any chosen one of the plurality of channels on thetelevision receiver.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing various components of thepreferred embodiment of the invention herein.

[0027]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the combination of program andschedule information by the video overlay device utilized in thepreferred embodiment of the invention.

[0028]FIG. 3 depicts a remote controller that can be used in connectionwith the preferred embodiment of the electronic program guide system ofthe present application.

[0029]FIG. 4 depicts an alternative embodiment of the remote controllershown in FIG. 3.

[0030]FIG. 5 shows an overlay appearing on a television screen in onemode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0031]FIG. 6 is a menu that appears on a television screen in a MENUmode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0032]FIG. 6A is yet another menu that appears on a television screen ina MENU mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0033]FIG. 7 depicts a Viewer Preference Menu that appears on atelevision screen in one aspect of the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0034]FIG. 8 shows a Preferred Channel selection submenu.

[0035]FIG. 9 shows an impulse ordering menu that appears on a televisionscreen in one aspect of the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0036]FIG. 10 shows a Premium Services submenu that appears in one modeof operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0037]FIG. 11 shows a graphic overlay appearing on a television screeenin a BROWSE mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0038]FIG. 12 shows a graphic overlay appearing on a television screeenin a BROWSE mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention having different information from that shown in FIG. 11.

[0039]FIG. 12A shows a graphic overlay appearing on a television screeenin a BROWSE mode of operation in the present invention displayingschedule information for a time and channel other than that shown inFIG. 11.

[0040]FIG. 13 shows a graphic overlay appearing in a REMINDER mode ofoperation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0041]FIG. 14 shows yet another graphic overlay appearing in a REMINDERmode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0042]FIG. 15 is yet another menu that appears on a television screen ina MENU mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0043]FIG. 16 is yet another menu that appears on a television screen ina MENU mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0044]FIG. 17 is yet another menu that appears on a television screen ina MENU mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0045]FIG. 18 shows a grid listing of schedule information displayed inan All Listings mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0046]FIG. 19 shows schedule information displayed in a Listings ByCategory mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0047]FIG. 20 shows schedule information displayed in a Listings ByChannel mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0048]FIG. 21 shows information displayed in response to a user'srequest for supplemental programming information.

[0049]FIG. 22 shows programming, ordering and video promotionalinformation displayed in a Pay-Per-View mode of operation of thepreferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0050]FIG. 23 shows an ordering submenu used in conjunction with themode of operation shown in FIG. 22.

[0051]FIG. 24 shows yet another ordering submenu used in conjunctionwith the mode of operation shown in FIG. 22.

[0052]FIG. 24A shows yet another ordering submenu used in conjunctionwith the mode of operation shown in FIG. 22.

[0053]FIG. 25 shows another grid listing of schedule informationdisplayed in an All Listings mode of operation of the present invention.

[0054]FIG. 26 shows a Premium Services submenu that appears in one modeof operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0055]FIG. 27 shows a Messages menu that appears in one mode ofoperation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0056]FIG. 28 shows exemplary messages used in connection with the menuof FIG. 27.

[0057]FIG. 29 shows billing information used in connection with the menuof FIG. 27.

[0058]FIG. 30 shows a Key Lock Access menu that appears during one modeof operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0059]FIG. 31 shows a menu appearing in connection with an InteractiveTelevision mode of operation of the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0060]FIG. 32 shows information that appears in a Quote Watch menu inconnection with the Interactive Television mode of operation shown inFIG. 31.

[0061]FIG. 33 shows other information that appears in connection withthe Interactive Television mode of operation shown in FIG. 31.

[0062]FIG. 34 is a menu showing information that appears in a newsdisplay in the Interactive Television mode of operation of the preferredembodiment of the present invention.

[0063]FIG. 35 is a menu showing information that appears in a sportsdisplay in the Interactive Television mode of operation of the preferredembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT System Configuration

[0064]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing various components of theelectronic program schedule system generally designated as 10.Physically, these system components can be located in a user's set-topcable converter box or other signal reception or processing device, suchas a satellite receiver. Alternatively, the components can be mounted ina separate housing, or included as part of a television receiver, VCR,personal computer or multimedia player.

[0065] An input signal 11 is connected to a receiver 12, which receivesa transmitted data stream from a data provider. The data stream maycontain, for example, information about programs or services availablein a particular market, geographical or otherwise. The input signal 11can originate, for example, as part of a standard broadcast, cablecastor satellite transmission, or other form of data transmission. In thecase of a cablecast transmission, the data provider is a local cableoperator and the data stream contains program schedule information forall television programs and other services available in the operator'sgeographical market.

[0066] The data stream may be modulated and then transmitted on thecable line in any number of ways, including as part of a dedicatedchannel transmission operating at a frequency of, for example, 75 MHz.Those of skill in the art will understand that numerous othertransmission schemes can be used to transmit the data stream, such asembedding it in the vertical blanking interval of a program broadcastsignal. As will be discussed in greater detail below, according to thepresent invention, the transmitted data stream may additionally containapplication software for implementing the electronic program guide atthe user site.

[0067] The transmitted program schedule data or application software isreceived by the receiver 12 on signal input line 11. The received signalis passed from the receiver to a data demodulator 13, such as a QPSKdemodulator, which demodulates the transmission and passes it to abuffer 15.

[0068] A microcontroller 16, such as a M68000EC, receives data passed tothe buffer 15. Bootstrap operating software, which may be used forcapturing electronic program guide application software updates, isstored in a read only memory (ROM) 17. The microcontroller 16 uses thereceived program schedule information to build a database by storing thedata in appropriately organized records in dynamic random access memory(DRAM) 18. The stored schedule information can be updated on a periodicbasis, such as hourly, daily or weekly, or at any time when changes inscheduling or other factors warrant an update. The system also includesa system clock 19.

[0069] Alternatively, the program schedule information could be suppliedin a ROM, disk or other non-volatile memory, or it could be downloadedto a storage disk or other data storage device. The invention herein isnot directed to the particular method of transmission or reception ofthe schedule information.

[0070] If the microcontroller 16 recognizes the received data asapplication software which controls the program schedule system, asopposed to program schedule information, it stores it in non-volatilememory, such as an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM) 20 orbattery-backed static RAM (SRAM). This configuration allows revised orreplacement versions of the application software to be downloadeddirectly from the software developer to the user site through the cableor other transmission system.

[0071] In the case where an EEPROM is utilized, revised or replacementversions of the application software downloaded from the developer arefirst stored in DRAM 18 by the microcontroller 16, under direction ofthe downloading operating software stored in the ROM 17. The storedapplication software can then be checked for accuracy by, for example, achecksum analysis or other verification routine.

[0072] After the accuracy of the application software has been verified,the microcontroller 16 initiates a routine to re-program the EEPROM 20,where the application software is permanently stored. Themicrocontroller 16 will issue proper control commands to a reprogramcircuit 21, which is adapted to supply the proper program voltage andlogic control signals 22 required to erase and write to the EEPROM. Itsupplies this program voltage, Vprog, as well as any other requiredcontrol signals, such as read or write enable, to the EEPROM 20 uponcommand from the microcontroller 16. After the EEPROM 20 has beenelectrically erased, the microcontroller 16 initiates transfer of thenew application software from the DRAM 18 to the EEPROM 20 for storing.

[0073] When a battery-backed SRAM is utilized as non-volatile memory,the microcontroller stores the revised or replacement version of theapplication software downloaded from the developer directly in the SRAM,again under direction of the downloading operating software stored inthe ROM. The stored application software can then be checked foraccuracy by, for example, a checksum analysis or other verificationroutine.

[0074] When power is first applied to the system 10, the bootstrapoperating software verifies that the program guide application softwareis resident in memory. If it is not resident, the bootstrap operatingsoftware waits for a download of the software. Once the applicationsoftware is resident, the microcontroller 16 executes the applicationprogram software from a dedicated portion of the DRAM 18. Alternatively,the application software can be executed directly from the non-volatilememory 20. Under control of the program guide application software, themicrocontroller 16 first verifies that the program schedule informationis resident in DRAM 18. If it is not resident, the microcontroller waitsfor a download of the program schedule information, as discussed above.

[0075] When the schedule system is operating, as discussed in greaterdetail hereinbelow, the microcontroller 16 takes the program scheduleinformation stored in the DRAM 18 and, in conjunction with otherdownloaded data types such as stored bit maps for the screenconfiguration and the graphic symbol or logo displays stored innon-volatile memory 20 or, alternatively, in DRAM 18, supplies it to avideo display generator (VDG) 23, which in the present embodiment may bea commercially available VGA-type graphics card, such as a Rocgen cardmanufactured by Roctec. The VDG includes a standard RGB video generator24, which takes the digital program schedule information sent by themicrocontroller 16 and converts it to an RGB format in accordance withthe bit map for the particular screen display then being presented tothe user on the television receiver 27. The configuration of each screenis shown and discussed in greater detail in the System Operation sectionbelow.

[0076] The VDG also includes a Video Overlay Device 25, which acceptsthe RGB video input, as well as an input from conventional televisiontuner 28, such as a conventional tuner manufactured by GeneralInstrument, which supplies a program signal in standard NTSC videoformat. The overlay device 25 converts and combines the RGB signal withthe signal from the tuner 28, and produces a composite NTSC outputsignal containing both the program signal and the program scheduleinformation, as shown in FIG. 2. This composite video signal is suppliedto a modulator 26, shown in FIG. 1, which can be a modulator such asavailable from Radio Shack, and then to the television receiver 27,which the user keeps tuned to the modulated channel, for example,channel 3 or 4. The composite video signal can also be supplied directlyto the televison receiver 27 or other receiving device from the VDGthrough a video port 25A on the VDG.

[0077] The system components identified in connection with FIG. 1 canall be implemented in a preferred platform by, for example, an IBMpersonal computer equipped with a transmission link and a video graphicscard, such as those manufactured by Roctec. Other platforms, such as acable converter box equipped with a microprocessor and memory, couldalso be used. In any event, those of skill in the art will appreciatethat the particular details of the hardware components and data storageare a function of the particular implementation of the system, and arenot the subject of the present invention.

[0078] As discussed in detail below, the user may navigate through theprogram schedule system with a remote controller, such as that shown inFIG. 3, which operates on conventional principles of remote controltransmitter-receiver logic, such as by infrared or other signalling, orother suitable user interface. The remote controller 31 communicateswith the microcontroller 16 through the remote controller receiver 29,shown in FIG. 1, whichcan be a Silent Partner IR receiver and whichreceives signals transmitted by the remote controller 31 and suppliesthe microcontroller 16 with a corresponding digital signal indicatingthe key depressed by the user.

[0079] A remote controller suitable for the present invention, such asshown in FIG. 3, which can be a remote controller manufactured byUniversal Electronics, may include a power switch 32, volume 33 and mute34 controls, an ENTER key 35, 0-9 digit keys 36, four direction arrowkeys 37A and 37B, a MODE key 38 and an information key 39 that isdesignated with a lower case “i.” The power 32, volume 33 and mute 34keys operate in the same manner as conventional remote controllerstypically used with present-day television receivers. The numeric digitkeys 36 also function in much the same manner as conventional remotecontrollers. A brief description of the remaining keys follows.

[0080] The MODE key 38 takes the user through various layers of theelectronic program schedule system 10 and generally allows the user toreturn to a previous screen when he is in a submenu. The up/downdirection arrow keys 37A allow a user to navigate through the differentTV program channels when the program schedule system is in a FLIP orBROWSE mode, as will be fully described below, and also allow the userto navigate through highlighted bars displayed on the TV screen when ina MENU mode. The left/right direction arrow keys 37B allow the user tonavigate through selected time periods when the program schedule systemis in the BROWSE mode, as will also be described below. They furtherallow the user to navigate across subject-matter categories while in the“Categories” submenu of the MENU mode, as well as to navigate acrosstime periods when the program schedule system is in a pay-per-viewordering mode and, in general, navigate in left or right directions toselect various icons and other objects. The information, or “i,” key 39allows the user to view supplemental program and other informationduring the various modes of the program schedule system. The ENTER 35key fulfills and inputs a command once the user has made a selectionfrom the remote controller keys. The function and operation of thesekeys will be made more apparent in the detailed discussion of the FLIP,BROWSE and MENU modes below.

[0081] A second embodiment of the remote controller 40 is shown in FIG.4. This embodiment of the remote controller also includes a power key41, numeric digit keys 42, direction arrow keys 43A and 43B, informationkey 48, ENTER key 44, volume control 45 and mute keys 46. It alsoincludes pound sign and star keys.

[0082] This embodiment of the remote controller further includes anumber of icon keys 47A and 47B, which correspond to different submenusor modes of the program schedule system. The icons 47A and 47B may alsobe displayed on the TV screen when the program schedule system isoperating. The icon keys essentially replace the MODE key 38 used in theembodiment of the remote controller shown in FIG. 3. Using these keys,the user can move from one mode to another simply by depressing the iconkey corresponding to the desired mode of operation of the programschedule system. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the icons 47A and 47B areshown as graphic symbols situated directly above a correspondingcolor-coded key. Alternatively, the color-coded keys could be eliminatedand keys could be formed in the image of the icon itself.

[0083] The embodiment of the remote controller shown in FIG. 4 alsoincludes three color-coded viewer preference keys, 48A, 48B and 48C thatare situated directly above the icon keys. Each of these keys indicatesto the program schedule system a distinct user-created “ChannelPreference” list, which is a listing of a specific subset of channelsfor a particular user, arranged in the sequential order that the userwishes to view during operation of the program schedule system. Thecreation of the Channel Preference list is discussed in the followingsection. Thus, the system provides for at least three individual channelsubsets for three individual users.

[0084] Additionally, each of the fuctions of the remote controllers canalso be integrated into a keypad on the user's cable box or otherhardware.

System Operation

[0085] In operation, the electronic program schedule system of thepresent invention functions as follows.

FLIP Mode

[0086] When the user is viewing a particular program channel on thetelevision receiver, the program schedule system defaults to a FLIPmode, shown in FIG. 5. In this mode, a graphic overlay 51 containingprogramming information for the channel currently tuned on the tuner issuperimposed in overlaying relationship with a received program signal55 on the screen of the television receiver 27 whenever the viewerchanges the program channel, for example, by using the up/down directionarrows on the remote controller. The video overlay device 25, such asshown in FIG. 1, combines the computer-generated RGB video-graphicoverlay information with the NTSC-format program signal from the tuner28, and supplies an NTSC-format output signal, which includes theprogram signal from the tuner and the program schedule overlayinformation for viewing on the television receiver 27.

[0087] The programming information contained in the graphic overlay 51is supplied to the RGB video generator by the microcontroller. In FLIPmode, the microcontroller first searches the program schedule databasein, for example, the DRAM 18 to retrieve the programming information forthe currently tuned channel 52 corresponding to the current time; i.e.,the time at which the user just turned on the television receiver forviewing. The microcontroller 16 then supplies the current channel andprogram information to the RGB video generator 24 which converts thedigital data information to RGB format and supplies it to the videooverlay device 25.

[0088] In normal operation, the microcontroller 16 defaults todisplaying all channels offered by the cable company prioritized bynumeric order, which is determined by the broadcast channel position inthe radio spectum or the marketing judgments of local cable opertors.Using a “Channel Preference” submenu, discussed below, the user canrevise the content and/or sequential order of the channels presented tothe television receiver 27.

[0089] In general, if the user does not issue a change-channelinstruction, or other command, from the remote controller 40 within apredetermined time interval while in the FLIP mode, the microcontroller16 instructs the VDG 23 to remove the graphic overlay 51 from thetelevision receiver, thus presenting only a program signal 55 to thetelevision receiver 27 for viewing. The duration of the predeterminedtime interval is such that it allows the user sufficient time to readthe programming information contained in the overlay. The duration ofthe predetermined time interval during which the graphic 51 overlayappears is stored in a location in non-volatile memory 20 addressable bythe microcontroller 16. The user can change the duration of the timeinterval, by first entering a Viewer Preference mode, and then selectingan “overlay interval” entry. The microcontroller 16 then causes a userprompt to be displayed on the screen which, for example, asks the userto select an appropriate time period for displaying in the graphicoverlay on the screen. Using the numeric keys, the user can input anappropriate response, for example, a period between 5 and 60 seconds,and then depress ENTER. The new interval period is then read and storedby the microcontroller 16 in the overlay time interval location inmemory.

[0090] If the user issues a change-channel command from the remotecontroller 40 before or after the predetermined overlay period haselapsed, either by using the up/down direction arrows 43A, or byentering a desired channel number using the numeric keys 42 and thendepressing the ENTER key 44, the microcontroller 16 will cause the tuner28 to tune to the desired channel—either the channel immediatelypreceding or following the current channel when the up or down arrow 43Ais used or the specific channel entered on the numeric key pad by theuser—and will also search for and immediately cause to be displayed thecurrent program information for that channel. Thus, as the user flipsthrough the channels, the program schedule information for any selectedchannel automatically appears in the graphic overlay 51 while the actualprogram 55 appearing on the selected channel at the particular timeoccupies the remainder of the screen.

[0091] The system can also be configured to issue an error message, suchas an audible beep or displayed text indicating an invalid key stroke,if the user depresses either the left or right direction arrow keyswhile in the FLIP mode.

BROWSE Mode

[0092] To initiate the BROWSE mode, the user depresses the MODE switchonce while in the FLIP mode when using the first embodiment of theremote controller 31 shown in FIG. 3. Utilizing the second embodiment ofthe remote controller 40 shown in FIG. 4, the user would depress thebutton below the BROWSE icon 47A.

[0093] In the BROWSE mode, the user is provided with the ability to scanthrough program schedule information for any channel, including, but notlimited to, the channel being viewed, while at the same time continuingto view the TV program previously selected. As shown in FIG. 11, in thismode the graphic overlay information that appears in the FLIP mode isreplaced with programming information for the channel being browsed,which may or may not be the channel currently being viewed by the user.After the user issues the command from the remote controller 40 to enterthe BROWSE mode, a graphic overlay 111 is generated, as in the FLIPmode, with program schedule information for the currently tuned channel112 and a textual BROWSE indicator 113 to remind the user of thecurrently active mode, as shown in FIG. 11.

[0094] If the user depresses either the up or down direction arrow onthe remote controller 40 while in the BROWSE mode, program scheduleinformation for either the prior or next channel is displayed in thegraphic overlay portion 111 of the television receiver screen 27, whilethe tuner remains tuned to the channel program that appeared on thetelevision receiver at the time the user entered the BROWSE mode, asshown in FIG. 12, and continues to so appear. Each successive depressionof the up or down direction arrow key produces corresponding programschedule information for the selected channel. The graphic overlay mayalso include a small video window for showing the actual video signal ofa currently aired program or a clip of a future program corresponding tothe scedule information then appearing in the BROWSE overlay. In thisway, the user can simultaneously scan program schedule information forall channels while continuously viewing at least one selected program onthe television receiver. With the advent of sophisticated televisionreceivers, it may also be possible to simultaneously display multiplebroadcast programs on a single screen for viewing, or to split thescreen to show, for example, broadcast programs in combination withadvertisements. The BROWSE feature could be used in any of thesesituations.

[0095] If, at any time during scanning of the program scheduleinformation in the BROWSE mode, the user desires to tune the televisionreceiver 27 from the program channel currently being viewed to theprogram channel indicated in the schedule information in the graphicoverlay, he simply depresses the ENTER button 44 and the tuner 28 willbe tuned to that channel. If the user does not want to view anotherchannel and wishes to exit the BROWSE mode, thus removing the graphicoverlay 111 with the program schedule information, he must depress theMODE key twice in the first embodiment of the remote controller 31. Thefirst depression of the MODE key takes the user to the MENU mode,discussed below, and the second depression will take the user to theFLIP mode. Once in the FLIP mode, the graphic overlay will be removedafter the duration of the time-out interval has passed. In the secondembodiment of the remote controller shown in FIG. 4, the user togglesthe BROWSE icon key to deactive the BROWSE mode.

[0096] When the user first enters the BROWSE mode and begins scanningchannels, the schedule information appearing in the overlay portion 111describes the programs currently playing on any particular channel. Inorder to view programming information for later times, the user employsthe left and right direction arrows 43B. As a consequence, the systemwill display future program schedule information for the particularchannel previously selected by the up and down direction arrows, whetherit is the channel currently being viewed or any other available channel.The schedule information presented includes the name of the program andprogram start/stop time. The instant embodiment of the system, in orderto conserve memory, will not allow the user to view programminginformation for a time prior to the current time. The system could beeasily modified to provide such information if adequate memory is madeavailable.

[0097] When viewing program schedule information for a future time inthe BROWSE mode, the displayed time of airing 121 of the particular show122 is highlighted, as well as the channel number and service indicator123, as shown in FIG. 12A. Such highlighted information reminds the userthat he is viewing program schedule information for a future time. Also,when viewing program schedule information for a future time on anyparticular channel in the BROWSE mode, depression of the channel updirection arrow key on the remote controller 40 causes programmingschedule information for the next channel to appear, which correspondsin time to the future time that was being viewed before the up key wasdepressed by the user. The channel down direction arrow key 43Bfunctions identically in this mode.

[0098] If while viewing program schedule information for a future timein BROWSE mode the user depresses the ENTER key on the remotecontroller, the microcontroller 16 will instruct the VDG 23 to display aREMINDER overlay message 130 which, as shown in FIG. 13, is displayed asa second overlay 131 appearing above the BROWSE overlay 132. TheREMINDER message 130 queries the user as to whether the system shouldremind the user, at a predetermined time before the start of theselected program, that he or she would like to view the selectedprogram, as shown in FIG. 13. If the user responds affirmatively, themicrocontroller 16 stores reminder data consisting of at least thechannel, time and day of the selected program in a reminder buffer,which contains similar schedule information for all programs for whichthe user has set a reminder. At a pre-determined time before theselected program start time, for example, five minutes, themicrocontroller 16 will retreive schedule information, including titleand service, based on the reminder data, and will instruct the VDG 23 todisplay a REMINDER overlay message 140 on the television receiver 27, asshown in FIG. 14, to remind the user that he or she previously set areminder to watch the selected program. The REMINDER message 140contains the channel, service and start time. It also displays thenumber of minutes before the time of airing of the particular show andupdates the display every minute until the time of airing. The REMINDERmessage 140 also displays a “TUNE” inquiry, which asks the user if shewould like to tune to the selected program. As with the overlay displaytime period in the FLIP mode, the user can modify the time period beforea selected program that the REMINDER message appears by entering theViewer Preference mode and revising the time entry.

MENU Mode

[0099] Using the remote controller 31 shown in FIG. 3, the user canenter the MENU mode from the BROWSE mode or from the FLIP mode bytoggling the MODE button 38 once or twice, respectively. Using theremote controller 40 of FIG. 4, the user would simply depress the key47B corresponding to the MENU icon.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 6, in the MENU mode, the system displays aplurality of menu items and icons, which correspond to and allow userselection of distinct program schedule information display formats,local cable system message boards and other on-line informationservices. Unlike in the FLIP and BROWSE modes, in the MENU mode noprogram signal from the tuner is displayed on the television receiver27. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, there are four verticallyselectable horizontal bars 61-64, which are accessed using the up anddown direction arrows 43A on the remote controller 31 or 40. At theextreme left of each bar, an identifying icon 61A-64A is displayed,which identifies the information contained in that bar. In theembodiment of FIG. 6, the “TV GUIDE” icon 61A in the first barcorresponds to program schedule information from TV Guide® magazine, the“NOW SHOWING” icon 62A in the second bar 62 corresponds to pay-per-viewand premium service events, the “MSO Logo” icon 63A in the third bar 63corresponds to Customer Service or local cable company informationmessages, and the circular icon 64A in the fourth bar 64 corresponds toother interactive services available to the user. As also shown in FIGS.6 and 6A, each bar also contains a textual description of its contents.

[0101] When the user first enters the MENU mode, the system defaults toselection of the program schedule bar. When a particular bar isselected, the textual description is removed and a plurality of iconsare displayed adjacent the identifying icon. In FIG. 6, the programschedule bar 61 is selected. Using the up or down direction arrow key onthe remote controller 40, the user selects a vertically adjacent bar.FIGS. 15-17 show, respectively, selection of the Pay-Per-View bar 62,the Customer Service or Messages bar 63 and the Interactive TV servicesbar 64.

[0102] Once a particular bar in the MENU screen is selected, the usercan select a particular icon from the plurality of horizontallyselectable displayed icons 65A-65C by using the left or right directionarrow and the ENTER key on the remote controller 40. Each icon containsa graphical symbol appearing in a background window of a particularcolor. When a particular icon is selected, it is offset from itsbackground window and the color of the window changes. In FIG. 6, thegrid icon 65A immediately adjacent the “TV GUIDE” icon in the first bar61 is selected.

[0103] The function corresponding to each icon will now be discussed.

[0104] In the uppermost vertically selectable horizontal bar 61, thefirst grid icon 65A represents an “All Listings” mode in which theprogram schedule information is displayed in a grid listing, such asthat shown in FIG. 18. Alternatively, a single column grid-like displaycould be used, as that shown in FIG. 25. In this format, the verticaly-axis identifies the channel number and service while the horizontalx-axis identifies the time. The screen display of FIG. 18 also containsin the upper left-hand corner a mode identifier 180, in this case thenotation “All Listings,” to remind the user of the current operatingmode of the system. Directly underneath the mode display is ahighlighted display 181 of the channel that the user was watching beforeentering the MENU mode. In the upper right-hand corner, a logo icon 182appears in a window directly above a date/time identifier 183, whichalternatively displays the current date and time.

[0105] In the center of the screen display shown in FIG. 18 is agraphical Active Key Display (AKD) 184 which indicates to the user thosekeys on the remote controller that are active for that particular modeof the program guide display system. For example, in the screen displayof FIG. 18, the cursor can only move up, down or to the right. If theuser were to depress the left direction arrow key on the remotecontroller at that point, the system would not carry out any functionsince the cursor can not move to the left. Thus, the left arrow key isnot active so its image is not displayed on the AKD 184. Similarly,since the system will only respond to a depression of the up, down orright direction arrow keys and the ENTER key, they are the only keyimages displayed on the graphical AKD 184. The MODE key, though notdisplayed, is always active to change from one mode to another. When theuser first enters the All Listings guide, the time listing begins bydefault at the half-hour immediately preceding the current time unlessthe current time is on the hour or half-hour, in which case the displaybegins with the particular hour or half-hour, and the channel listingbegins at the last channel being viewed by the user before entering theMENU mode. For example, in FIG. 18, the current time is displayed as7:13 p.m., the time listing begins at 7:00 p.m. and the channel listingbegins with channel 4.

[0106] In the All Listings mode, a moveable highlighted cursor 185 isused to indicate the currently selected program to the user. The usermanipulates cursor movement using the direction arrow keys on the remotecontroller 40. Furthermore, the entire information display pages upwardif the cursor is placed at the bottom of the screen and the downdirection arrow is depressed, and similarly pages to the left if thecursor is at the extreme right side of the display and the rightdirection arrow is depressed. In this way, the user can navigate throughthe entire program schedule.

[0107] The folder icon 65B immediately to the right of the All Listingsicon in the top horizontal bar 61 of FIG. 6 identifies a “CategoryListing” mode in which program schedule information is displayed andcategorized by program content, as shown in FIG. 19. The particularlisting shown in FIG. 19 includes the categories of Movies, Sports, Newsand Children 190A-190D. The database record stored for each listingcontains a content-specific identifier so the microcontroller can searchthe database and categorize the information by content for purposes ofdisplaying it in the Category Listing mode. As shown in FIG. 19, theuser can manipulate the cursor left or right to highlight any one of thecategories which appear at the head of the listing. In FIG. 19, the“Movies” category 190A is selected. As shown, the user is given adisplay of all movies, prioritized by time and then alphabetically bytitle of show, beginning with the half-hour immediately preceding thecurrent time unless the current time is on the hour or half-hour, inwhich case the display begins with the particular hour or half-hour. Thescreen display shown in FIG. 19 also includes a textual description ofthe current operating mode of the program schedule system, as well asthe graphic AKD 184, similar to that used in connection with the AllListings mode.

[0108] As with the All Listings mode, if the user highlights a showwhich is currently airing, he can immediately tune to that show bydepressing the ENTER key on the remote controller 40. If the highlightedshow is one that will appear at future time, the user is again given theoption of setting a REMINDER message.

[0109] The triangular icon 65C at the far right of the TV GUIDE bar 61in the display of FIG. 6 identifies a “Channel Listing” mode in whichthe program schedule information is categorized and displayed bychannel, as shown in FIG. 20. The screen display shown in FIG. 20 againincludes a textual mode identifier 201, the graphic AKD 184, and thewindow including the logo icon 182 and alternating time/date display183. At the head of the program listing is a list of several consecutivechannels 202A-202C beginning with the last channel viewed by the userbefore entering the Channel Listing mode. The channel in the middlewindow 202B is highlighted and is the channel for which scheduleinformation is displayed. The display identifies those programsappearing on the highlighted channel beginning with the half-hourimmediately preceding the current time unless the current time is on thehour or half-hour, in which case the display begins with the particularhour or half-hour. The user can display further future listings bymanipulating the cursor to the bottom of the screen and paging thedisplay, as previously described. The user can also change the selectedchannel by manipulating the left or right direction arrow keys on theremote controller 40. When the user issues a change-channel command inthis manner, the next consecutive channel will be displayed in thehighlighted window 202B in the channel string at the head of thedisplay, and schedule information for the newly selected channel will bedisplayed on the television receiver 27.

[0110] As with other modes, if a user wishes to tune to a highlightedprogram that is currently airing, he can do so by simply depressing theENTER key on the remote controller 40, and if the user wishes to view aprogram that airs at a future time, the user is again given the optionof setting a REMINDER message.

[0111] In each of the FLIP, BROWSE and MENU modes, a lower case “i” iconappears at a number of occasions in connection with certain programlistings, such as movies, such as the “i” 203 shown in FIG. 20. Any timethis icon appears, the user can view additional programming information,generally comprising a textual description of program content and/orother information related to the program, such as the names of castmembers and the like, by depressing the “i” key 48 on the remotecontroller 40. An example of a display of such additional information isshown in FIG. 21.

[0112] The second horizontal bar 62 appearing on the screen in the MAINMENU mode shown in FIG. 6 is the “Home Theater” Listing. It correspondsto Pay-Per-View events or services, specialized programming, and PremiumService programs. When this category is chosen by the user, thetelevision receiver displays information as shown in FIG. 15. The firsttheater-ticket icon 150 that appears in this Home Theater bar identifiesa format in which the Pay-Per-View events and premium services aredisplayed, as shown in FIG. 22. As with other modes, the user canmanipulate the cursor to highlight and select any particular show. Also,the user can obtain additional information about the Pay-Per-View eventor service by depressing the “i” key 48 on the remote controller 40. ThePay-Per-View menu screen display shown in FIG. 22 also includes a videodisplay section 220 in which short promotional clips of current andfuture events and services can be shown to the user while the user isviewing the Pay-Per-View scheduling information. The display of FIG. 22is bit mapped such that the advertising clips may be shown in the lowerleft quadrant of the screen. The clips may be shown randomly in thevideo display section 120 or, alternatively, the clip shown couldcorrespond to the particular selected entry on the list of events, andwould change automatically as the user navigated through the list.

[0113] When a user highlights a Pay-Per-View event or service bymanipulating the cursor to the desired event or service using thedirection arrow keys on the remote controller 40, he can order the eventor service by depressing the ENTER button on the remote controller, thuslinking schedule, promotional and ordering functions. If the userselects a particular Pay-Per-View event or service in this manner, theprogramming schedule system will next present to the user a Pay-Per-Viewordering screen such as that shown in FIG. 23. The display includes afigure representing the cost of the event or service. The display alsoasks the user to choose from among a plurality of scheduled airing times230A-230C, as well as whether the user would like to see a REMINDERmessage prior to the start of the Pay-Per-View event or service. Theuser responds to these inquiries by using the direction keys on theremote controller 40 to manipulate the cursor to the proper response andthen depressing the ENTER key. After the user has ordered a Pay-Per-Viewevent or service, the program schedule system will present the user withtwo ordering confirmation submenus, such as shown in FIGS. 24 and 24A.In either of these submenus, the user can confirm or cancel thePay-Per-View event or service.

[0114] If the user confirms the order, the microcontroller 16 stores thePay-Per-View ordering information in a location in memory. The orderinginformation can then be transmitted to the cable operator by themicrocontroller 16 either by phone line or on the cable line where thesystem has two-way communication or other such interactive capability.Alternatively, a computer at the cable operator location can interrogatethe memory where the microcontroller stored the Pay-Per-View orderinginformation. At the appropriate time, the cable operator supplies thePay-Per-View event or service and it is received by all users who haveordered the program.

[0115] The second icon 151 in the Pay-Per-View bar of FIG. 15 identifiesa specialized broadcast, cable or satellite programming service to whichthe user has access via the electronic program guide. In this mode, theelectronic program guide application software acts to connect the user,through an appropriate data transmission link, to the programmingservice, at which point the user interacts with the service.Alternatively, the electronic program guide provides the navigationsoftware, including the menus and scheduling information, for theparticular programming service. Such a service could be, for example,Your Choice TV (“YCTV”), a service offering reruns of highly ratedbroadcast and cable programs, in which case the icon may take a formsuitable to identify YCTV. The programming available on YCTV is thensupplied to the user via the programming guide system.

[0116] The last icon 152 appearing in the Pay-Per-View bar of FIG. 15identifies a display format which lists all Premium Services offered bythe cable operator, as shown in FIG. 26. In this mode, the user canselect for impulse ordering any one of the premium services bymanipulating the cursor using the direction arrow keys on the remotecontroller and depressing the ENTER key. Similar to Pay-Per-Viewordering, the system will present the user with a series of orderingdisplays and, if a service is ordered by the user, it will confirm theuser's request using another other submenu. If confirmed, themicrocontroller 16 will store the ordering information or transmit itdirectly to the cable operator. Once the order has been confirmed, themicrocontroller can immediately allow the user access to the orderedpremium service. In this manner, the user can order premium events orservices on demand.

[0117] If, during FLIP or BROWSE modes, a user views a channel orschedule information for a service not subscribed to by the user, themicrocontroller 16 causes an ordering submenu to appear instead ofdisplaying a program signal along with the graphic overlay, as shown inFIG. 9. This submenu indicates to the user that she does not currentlysubscribe to the selected service, and then asks the user if she wouldlike to order the service. If the user responds affirmatively, theprogram schedule system takes the user to the ordering submenu discussedabove. In this manner, the user can order premium events or services onimpulse.

[0118] The third horizontal bar 63 in the MENU mode shown in FIG. 6 isthe “Messages” or “Customer Service” listing. As shown in FIG. 16, thefirst envelope icon 160 represents message information available fromthe cable operator. When the user selects the message icon, he ispresented with a screen display of currently available messages, asshown in FIG. 27. The display shown in FIG. 27 includes cable systemmessages 270 and billing information 271. If the user selects the cablesystem messages option 270, she is presented with a message pertainingto the local cable operator, such as that shown in FIG. 28. If the userselects the billing status option 271 shown in FIG. 27, she is presentedwith a display of current billing information, such as that shown inFIG. 29.

[0119] The next icon 161 in the Customer Service information bar 63 ofFIG. 16 identifies a “Viewer Preference” mode, which allows the user tocreate or revise a number of program schedule system operatingparameters. Once selected, this display presents the user with severalpreference options concerning certain operating parameters of theprogram schedule system, as well as the viewing of certain channelsand/or certain content-specific programming, for example, those shown inFIG. 7.

[0120] The first option shown in FIG. 7 is the “Parental” option 70,which can also be expressed as a “Key Lock Access” option. Once thisoption is initially selected by the user, the system displays a “KeyLock Access” submenu such as that shown in FIG. 30.

[0121] The Key Lock Access menu shown in FIG. 30 allows the user tocontrol access to individual channels and programs or events byrequiring the user to enter an access code “key,” consisting of auser-specified four digit code in the specific embodiment discussedherein, before ordering or viewing these pre-selected channels, programsor events. The menu display shown in FIG. 30 shows a series of subjectcategories that are entries in the vertical y-axis selectable by theuser. A particular subject category is chosen by using the up or downdirection arrow keys on the remote controller 40 to highlight thedesired entry. Once the user selects a particular subject category, theleft and right arrow keys are used to navigate within the chosencategory.

[0122] The first subject entry shown in FIG. 30 is the “ParentalGuidance” category 301. Once the user selects this category bymanipulating the cursor to highlight the entry, the cursor can be thenmoved horizontally to an active window 302 which displays and selectsone the five letter rating items in the category. The letter itemsrepresent ratings of program content as follows: “V” for violence, “N”for nudity, “L” for language, “AS” for adult situations and “PD” forparental discretion. Once the user selects a particular item, such as“L”, by moving to the active window 302 using the right direction arrowkey, depressing the ENTER key will indicate to the microcontroller 16that a key lock access has been selected for programs rated with a “L”rating for violent or explicit language. The system indicates activationof a key lock access by displaying a key icon directly below the “L”category display. Once a key lock access is set, it can be deactivatedby selecting the category letter and then depressing the ENTER key. Thisaction causes the key icon to disappear. The user can change the ratingcategory in the active window 302 by using the left or right directionarrow keys on the remote controller 40, images of which are displayed onthe screen adjacent the active window as a reminder to the user. In thismanner, the user can select other rating categories for setting a keylock access for any of the program content identifiers appearing in theParental Guidance category.

[0123] The key lock access code itself consists of a four digit code,which the user can enter and modify at any time. To do so, the userhighlights the fourth vertically selectable entry “Change Key LockAccess Code,” 304 by manipulating the cursor to highlight it using thedirection arrow keys on the remote controller. Once highlighted, theuser enters a new four digit code or revises the then existing code anddepresses the ENTER key. The microcontroller 16 then identifies the newfour digit key lock access code and stores it in memory. The user canclear the key lock access code, as well as all other previouslyactivated keys, by moving to the last entry in FIG. 30, “Clear Key LockAccess Code and All Keys,” 305 which highlights the “OK” window, andthen depressing the ENTER key. This action clears and deactivates allpreviously set keys, as well as the key lock access code.

[0124] The schedule information database record for each programcontains a field that corresponds to the program content identifiers inthe Parental Guidance category. During operation, the microcontrollerchecks this field in response to a user command to tune to or order aprogram, or to display its corresponding schedule information beforecarrying out the tuning, ordering or displaying function. If theparental guide identifier in the program schedule information databaserecord matches any one of the activated parental guidance identifiersshown in FIG. 30, the user will be prompted to enter the four digit keylock access code before the system takes any further action. If theentered code matches the key lock access code previously entered andstored by the user as described above, the system will carry out theuser request to tune to the program, to order it, or to display itscorresponding schedule information. If the code is not recognized by thesystem, no further action will be taken and the user's request will bedenied.

[0125] By manipulating the cursor using the direction arrow keys tohighlight the second entry, “MPAA ratings,” 308 the user can also set akey lock access for programs based on their MPAA rating code, as alsoshown in FIG. 30.

[0126] As with the Parental Guidance category, once the MPAA ratingcategory has been selected, the user can move horizontally within thecategory to the active window 306 to select one the five rating codes,i.e., “G” for general audiences, “PG” for parental guidance, “PG-13” forsuggested parental guidance, no one under 13 admitted without an adult,“R” for restricted and “X” for x-rated. As with the Parental Guidancecategory, by selecting a particular rating—by using the left or rightdirection arrow keys until the particular rating code appears in theactive window—and then depressing the ENTER key, the user sets a keylock access for the rating, in which case a key icon appears below therating code. And, as with the Parental Guidance category, once a keylock access is set, the system will prompt the user to enter the fourdigit key lock access code anytime a request is made to tune to, orderor display schedule information for a particular program having a ratingcode which matches a rating code for which key lock access has beenactivated.

[0127] The Key Lock Access mode also includes a subject category 303 forcontrolling access to channels, which may be entitled, for example,“Channel Block” or “Channel Lock.” As with the Parental Guidance 301 andMPAA 308 categories, the user navigates to the Channel Block category303 by manipulating the cursor using the direction arrow keys on theremote controller and depressing the ENTER key. Once the Channel Blockcategory 303 has been entered, the user can move horizontally to anactive window 307, which in FIG. 30 indicates channel 2. Once the userhighlights this window by manipulating the cursor using the directionarrow keys on the remote controller 40, a key lock access can be set forthe channel appearing in the active window. This is done, as with theother subject categories in the Key Lock Access mode, by depressing theENTER key, which again causes a key icon to appear below the channelnumber in the active window. The user can move to the prior channel orto the next channel in sequence by depressing either the left or rightdirection arrow key on the remote controller 40. In this manner, theuser can activate a key lock access for any available channel.

[0128] As with the Parental Guidance 301 and MPAA 308 categories, once akey lock access is set for a particular channel, the system will promptthe user to input the key lock access code prior to carrying out aninstruction to tune to or order that channel. If the input key lockaccess code matches the previously stored access code, the user'sinstruction is carried out. Otherwise, the user's instruction isignored. Thus, the user can control access to the audio and videoprogram content of any available channel. In this instance, themicrocontroller 16 will not allow audio or video program signals to passto the VDG, but it will allow schedule information to appear for thechannel.

[0129] The next option shown in FIG. 7 is the Channel Preference or“Favorite Channel” list option 71. By highlighting this icon anddepressing the ENTER key on the remote controller 40, the user ispresented with a submenu on the screen such as that shown in FIG. 8.

[0130] In normal operation, the program guide system presents channelsto the user in numerical order in response to an up or downchange-channel command issued by the user using one of the directionarrow keys on the remote controller. The channel number presentationsequence includes all channels offered by the cable company in the orderof which they are modulated onto the channel by the operator.

[0131] The program guide system also provides the capability ofselecting from among several user-defined channel presentationsequences, which are activated using one of the three “check mark” iconkeys 48A, 48B or 48C on the remote controller 40 shown in FIG. 4. Eachof these keys represents a preferred particular list of channels which aparticular user selects and which the microcontroller stores in memoryas a “Channel Preference” list, as discussed in detail below. Toactivate one of these preferred channel lists, the user depresses thecorresponding check-mark icon key, in which case the microcontroller maydisplay the chosen icon on the screen in the graphic overlays and fullscreen displays to remind the user that a particular channel preferencelist is being used by the system. Once a preference list is activated,the system will limit the tuning of the television receiver and thedisplay of schedule information only to those channels that aredesignated in the activated viewer preference list.

[0132] To revise the content and/or sequential order of the channels inthe Channel Preference list, the user enters the MENU mode of theprogramming guide system. To enter the MENU mode from the FLIP mode, theuser twice depresses the MODE key 38 when using the remote controller 31of FIG. 3. To enter the MENU mode when using the alternative embodimentof the remote controller 40 of FIG. 4, the user simply depresses theMENU icon key 47B.

[0133] When first entered, the MENU mode has a screen display such asshown in FIG. 6. To select the submenu for editing the ChannelPreference list, the user first selects the third horizontal bar 63,which can be titled, for example, “Messages” or “Customer Service,” bymanipulating the cursor using the down direction arrow key, as shown inFIG. 7. The screen of FIG. 6A is thereby displayed. The user thenselects the second icon 161 appearing in that bar, indicated with acheck mark, which corresponds to a “Viewer Preference” mode, byhighlighting the icon using the direction arrow keys and againdepressing the ENTER key. This action will cause the microcontroller 16to display a Viewer Preference submenu such as that shown in FIG. 7. Byselecting the Channel Preference or “Favorite Channel” entry 71, theuser enters the Channel Preference submenu, shown in FIG. 8. If the userhas not already done so, he would then depress the particular check-markicon key on the remote controller 40 of FIG. 4 to create or revise theparticular channel preference list.

[0134] In the Channel Preference menu shown in FIG. 8, a list 80 of allchannels available on the particular cable system is displayed on theleft side of the television receiver screen, labeled “Choices” in FIG.8, and the viewer's preferred list 81, designated “Selected” in FIG. 8,is displayed on the right side. If a particular code, such as an END or“−1” symbol appears in the first (uppermost) position 82 of the viewerpreference list 81, the system displays information for all channels innumerical order in all modes of operation. This is the default mode ofthe system.

[0135] By selecting channels in sequence from the available list 80 andplacing them in the desired order in the preference list 81, the usercan select a subset of channels and/or rearrange the default sequence inresponse to a channel up or channel down command from the user. This isaccomplished by highlighting a channel in the available list 80 usingthe up and down direction arrow keys on the remote controller 40 anddepressing the ENTER key 44, which stores the entry temporarily in abuffer.

[0136] The microcontroller 16 stores a list of all channels previouslyentered in the viewer preference list 81. As a particular channel ishighlighted by the user when navigating through the available channellist 80 displayed on the left side of the television screen, a window 84appears adjacent to the particular channel highlighted by the user. Ifthe particular channel already appears in the viewer preference list 81,the system displays a “DELETE” message in the window 84 as a reminderthat the channel was previously selected from the available channel list80 and can only be deleted from the list 81, which is accomplished bydepressing the ENTER key 44. If the particular highlighted channel inthe list 80 was not previously selected, the system displays a “SELECT”message in the window 84 as a reminder that the particular channel willbe selected for addition to the viewer preference list 81 if the userdepresses the ENTER key 44. The microcontroller 16 inserts a selectedchannel at the bottom of the list 81. In this manner, the user canselect or delete channels from the viewer preference list in any desiredorder.

[0137] The available channel list 80 may also be provided withcategorical entries 83, such as movies, news, sports or children'sshows. The user may also highlight any of these entries and put theminto the viewer preference list 81. If the user does include a categoryin his viewer preference list 81, when the user issues channel up ordown commands, the system will display, in sequence, first the user'sselected preferred channels in numerical order and then all channelshaving a program whose content corresponds to the selected category orcategories at the time.

[0138] Once the user has revised the channel preference list 81 in thedescribed manner, the microcontroller 16 will follow the storeduser-specified channel sequence in response to a change-channel commandmade by the user employing one of is the direction arrow keys. Toactivate the viewer preference list, the user depresses one of the threecheck-mark icon keys 48A, 48B or 48C on the top of the remote controllershown in FIG. 4. The viewer preference list can be used to selectivelylimit tuning of the television receiver or display of scheduleinformation in any of the operating modes of the electronic programguide. In the present embodiment, once a preference list is activated,the system will limit the tuning of the television receiver and thedisplay of schedule information in the FLIP, and BROWSE modes, as wellas in the grid category and channel listings in the MENU mode, only tothose channels designated in the activated viewer preference list. Thetuner can not be tuned to, and no corresponding schedule information canbe displayed for, any channel not entered in the viewer preference listwhen it is activated. In this regard, it should be noted that setting akey lock access in the Parental Guidance 301, MPAA 308 or Channel Block303 categories produces a different result than when using other displaycriteria, such as the Channel Preference List of preferred channelsdiscussed above. Thus, while a key lock access will prevent audio andvideo program information, but not schedule information, from beingdisplayed or ordered absent entry of an authorization code, if aparticular channel is included in the Channel Preference list and alsohas a key lock access activated in the Channel Block category 303 of theKey Lock Access mode, that channel or its corresponding scheduleinformation will not be displayed at any time.

[0139] To deactivate a previously selected viewer preference list, theuser toggles the appropriate check-mark icon key on the remotecontroller 40 of FIG. 4. Once deactivated, the system defaults todisplaying and tuning all available channels, as well as displayingschedule information for all available channels.

[0140] Alternatively, the viewer preference list 81, if activated, canbe used to control tuning and display of schedule information only inselected modes, such as only in the FLIP mode, thus allowing the user totune and view corresponding schedule information only for those channelsentered in the preference list 81 in the FLIP mode, while viewing allchannels and corresponding schedule information in all other modes.

[0141] In this latter configuration, as well as in the instance where nochannel preference list is activated and the system is in default mode,if a channel appears in the viewer preference list 81 that correspondsto a service not subscribed to by the user, the microcontroller 16causes an ordering submenu to appear instead of displaying a programsignal along with the graphic overlay, as shown in FIG. 9. This submenuindicates to the user that he does not currently subscribe to theselected service, and then asks the user if he would like to order theservice. If the user responds affirmatively, the program schedule systemtakes the user to another ordering submenu to confirm the user'srequest, as with impulse ordering.

[0142] In addition to Channel Preference keys, the remote controller 40can also be supplied with a number of user-activated category preferenceicon keys, e.g., movies, sports, or children's programming. The systemcan be adapted to present to the user only those programs meetingparticular preference category when it is activated by the user. As withthe Channel Preference icons, the microcontroller may display the iconcorresponding to the activated preference category to remind the user ofthe currently activated mode of system operation.

[0143] The question mark icon 162 at the far right of the thirdhorizontal bar in the menu of FIG. 16 identifies a program guide system“Help” mode in which information explaining the operation of the systemis displayed for the user. Again, by manipulating the cursor using theappropriate keys on the remote controller, the user can select thismode. Once selected, the next submenu appearing in the Help mode asksthe user to identify the particular portion of the system about whichthe user would like to view Help information.

[0144] The icons appearing in the last horizontal bar of the MENU modeidentify certain interactive and/or other types of information serviceswhich the programming system, acting as a gateway, makes available tothe user as shown in FIG. 17. By manipulating the cursor, the user canselect any one of the identified services, as shown in FIGS. 31-35.

[0145] For example, if the user initially selects the “X*PRESS” iconappearing in the last horizontal bar, he is presented with a submenusuch as that shown in FIG. 31. Using the direction arrow and enter keyson the remote controller, the user selects one of the three entriesappearing in the display of FIG. 31. Once a particular entry isselected, the electronic program guide connects the user to the selectedservice and passes control to the particular service applicationsoftware, as shown in FIGS. 32-35.

[0146] Additionally, the electronic program guide could be configured tostore a unique digital identifier for each program along with itsschedule information and later use the identifier—e.g., by transmittingit—to indicate to a recording or storage device, such as a videorecorder, that the user wishes to record the program. The program guidecould also use the identifier to automatically control operation of thevideo recorder. The electronic program guide could also be configured touse other stored schedule information for this purpose.

[0147] The form and content of a particular computer program toimplement the invention disclosed herein will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art of video system programming and graphicdisplay. A flow chart showing the operation logic of the system is shownin FIG. 36. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatthere can be departure from the specific embodiment of the inventiondescribed herein without departing from the true scope of the claimsappended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for allowing a user to browse programlistings while viewing a program on a display comprising: displaying aprogram in at least a portion of the display; displaying at least oneinteractive program listing on the display simultaneously with theprogram; allowing the user to select the at least one interactiveprogram listing; displaying a second program corresponding to theselected interactive program listing in at least a part of the display,in response to receiving the selection from the user.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one interactive program listing comprisesa program title and a program channel.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereinthe program is selected from the group consisting of a televisionprogram, a promotional video clip, a prerecorded program, a video ondemand program, a near video on demand program, or a pay per viewprogram.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the user selects the at leastone interactive program listing on a user control means.
 5. The methodof claim 1, wherein the program is displayed on a first portion of thedisplay, the at least one interactive program listing is displayed on asecond portion of the display, and said first portion is larger thansaid second portion.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the program isdisplayed on a first portion of the display, the at least oneinteractive program listing is displayed on a second portion of thedisplay, and the first portion is smaller than the second portion. 7.The method of claim 1, further comprising allowing the user to select areminder message corresponding to a program to be viewed at a futuredate.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising displaying thereminder message at a time prior to the future date.
 9. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the time prior to the future date is determined by theuser.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the reminder message isdisplayed on the display simultaneously with the program.
 11. A systemfor allowing a user to browse program listings while viewing a programon a display comprising: means for displaying a program in at least aportion of the display; means for displaying at least one interactiveprogram listing on the display simultaneously with the program; meansfor allowing the user to select the at least one interactive programlisting; means for displaying a second program corresponding to theselected interactive program listing in at least a part of the display,in response to receiving the selection from the user.
 12. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the at least one interactive program listing comprisesa program title and a program channel.
 13. The system of claim 11,wherein the program is selected from the group consisting of atelevision program, a promotional video clip, a prerecorded program, avideo on demand program, a near video on demand program, or a pay perview program.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the user selects theat least one interactive program listing on a user control means. 15.The system of claim 11, wherein the program is displayed on a firstportion of the display, the at least one interactive program listing isdisplayed on a second portion of the display, and said first portion islarger than said second portion.
 16. The system of claim 11, wherein theprogram is displayed on a first portion of the display generator, the atleast one interactive program listing is displayed on a second portionof the display, and the first portion is smaller than the secondportion.
 17. The system of claim 11, further comprising means forallowing the user to select a reminder message corresponding to aprogram to be viewed at a future date.
 18. The system of claim 17,further comprising means for displaying the reminder message at a timeprior to the future date.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the timeprior to the future date is determined by the user.
 20. The system ofclaim 18, wherein the reminder message is displayed on the screensimultaneously with the program.
 21. An interactive media guidecomprising: a video display controller; a display; and a microprocessorprogrammed to: direct the video display controller to display a programin at least a portion of the display; direct the video displaycontroller to display at least one interactive program listing on thedisplay simultaneously with the program; and direct the video displaycontroller to display a second program corresponding to the selectedinteractive program listing in at least a part of a display, in responseto receiving a selection from the user of at least one interactiveprogram listing.
 22. The media guide of claim 21, wherein the at leastone interactive program listing comprises a program title and a programchannel.
 23. The media guide of claim 21, wherein the program isselected from the group consisting of a television program, apromotional video clip, a prerecorded program, a video on demandprogram, a near video on demand program, or a pay per view program. 24.The media guide of claim 21, wherein the user selects the at least oneinteractive program listing on a user control means.
 25. The media guideof claim 21, wherein the program is displayed on a first portion of thedisplay, the at least one interactive program listing is displayed on asecond portion of the display, and said first portion is larger thansaid second portion.
 26. The media guide of claim 21, wherein theprogram is displayed on a first portion of the display, the at least oneinteractive program listing is displayed on a second portion of thedisplay, and the first portion is smaller than the second portion. 27.The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the microprocessor is furtherprogrammed to allow the user to select a reminder message correspondingto a program to be viewed at a future date.
 28. The media guide of claim27, wherein the microprocessor is further programmed to direct the videodisplay controller to display the reminder message at a time prior tothe future date.
 29. The media guide of claim 28, wherein the time priorto the future date is determined by the user.
 30. The media guide ofclaim 28, wherein the reminder message is displayed on the screensimultaneously with the program.